Grammar Explained

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be -ing or have -en?Present Progressive vs Present Perfect

When do people be -ing and when do we use have -en? Let’s look at some sentences with be -ing (present progressive/present continuous) and have -en (present perfect) to better understand the meanings be -ing and have -en add and why speakers choose to use them.

Steve: I’ve only done small groups though. The new job is for larger groups. ((Steve is comparing the old job and the new job. “I’ve only done…” refers to before now, the old job. If Steve said, “I’m only doing” he would be talking about after now – the new job. this doesn’t make sense in this situation because in the next sentence he says that the new job is for larger groups.)

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2. Complete the conversation

Answers and notes

Steve: How is the cafe going? (currently, a short time period that includes the present – not finished)

Ava: Great. We‘ve been really busy. (recently, a short time period up to the present – present result)
Ava: Great. We‘re really busy. (this is also possible: describing the present)

We‘ve had a lot more new customers over the last two months. (recently, a short time period up to the present – present result)

They‘re coming for the coffee and great service. (currently, a short time period that includes the present – not finished)
They come for the coffee and great service. (in general)

We‘ve won three awards, including “the best coffee in town”. (recently, a short time period up to the present – present result: they have the awards.)
We won three awards, including “the best coffee in town”. (in the past – in this situation it is obvious that Ava is talking about the recent past.)

We‘ve been so busy (recently, a short time period up to the present – present result: so busy they can open a new cafe soon.)
We‘re so busy (Ava is describing the present. They are busy now.)
that we‘re opening a new cafe next month too! (not finished – happening next month: in the future.)

Steve: Awesome! It sounds like things are really working out for both of us. (currently, a short time period that includes the present – not finished)

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3. How can we say it?

Choose sentences to fit the situations. There may be more than one answer.

Answers and notes

1. A: I just got here last week.Great, how long have you been here?(A just said – about a week or so)Great, how long are you staying? (the trip is not finished – asking when A will leave.)

2. Sorry I’m late.Have you been waiting long? (up until now)Are you waiting long? (not into the future. They can stop waiting now.)

3. What’s the plan for tonight?Have you watched the game? (maybe… if the people had talked about recording and watching the game. We don’t have that kind of background information though, so “Are you watching the game?” fits much better.)Are you watching the game? (future)

4. Have you been to Mexico?No, but I’ve been there next week.(Doesn’t make sense: have been – before now, next week is future.)No, but I’m going there next week. (future – not finished)

5. A: Mom, can I go out with Isabel?B: Maybe. Have you finished your homework yet? (finished before now, present result: completed homework)B: Maybe. Are you finishing your homework yet?

6. I really need to focus.I haven’t got any work done. (up until now – I didn’t do much work this morning.)I’m not getting any work done. (thinking about the present – I’m not doing much work now.)

7. Would you like some more coffee?Sorry, that’s enough for me. I’ve already had three cups today. (up until the present. That’s enough for today.)Sorry, that’s enough for me. I’m only having three cups today. (What the person has decided – only having three cups today. Like these questions about decisions for the day: “What are you doing today?” “How much coffee are you drinking today?”)

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